Name of the Procedure:

Unlisted Laparoscopy Procedure, Bladder

Common name(s): Laparoscopic Bladder Surgery, Minimally Invasive Bladder Surgery

Summary

A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine or treat abnormalities within the bladder. It involves the use of a laparoscope, a small camera, and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdomen.

Purpose

This procedure is used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bladder such as tumors, obstructions, or structural abnormalities. The main goals include relief of symptoms, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of bladder issues.

Indications

• Persistent or unexplained bladder pain or discomfort
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder tumors or growths
• Bladder stones
• Urinary obstructions or strictures

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 8 hours before the procedure
• Adjusting or stopping certain medications as advised by the physician
• Comprehensive preoperative evaluation including blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan)

Procedure Description

1. The patient is administered general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and pain-free.
2. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create space for the procedure.
3. Several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall.
4. A laparoscope (a thin tube equipped with a camera) is inserted through one of the incisions to provide visual guidance.
5. Specialized surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions to perform the necessary tasks on the bladder.
6. Once the procedure is completed, the instruments and laparoscope are removed.
7. The incisions are closed with stitches or surgical glue.
8. The patient is taken to the recovery room to wake from anesthesia.

Duration

Typically takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital surgical suite or an outpatient surgery center.

Personnel

• Surgeon specialized in urology or laparoscopic surgery
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurse(s)
• Operating room technician

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the incision sites
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Injury to surrounding organs or tissues
• Blood clots
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Benefits

• Minimally invasive, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery
• Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of bladder conditions
• Shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery

Recovery

• Initial recovery involves staying in the recovery room for monitoring until the effects of anesthesia wear off.
• Pain management with prescribed medications.
• Avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
• Follow-up appointments for assessing healing progress and removing stitches if necessary.

Alternatives

• Open bladder surgery, which involves a larger incision and longer recovery
• Non-surgical treatments such as medication or physical therapy for certain bladder conditions
• Endoscopic procedures that are less invasive but may not be suitable for all conditions

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and will not feel anything. Post-procedure, some discomfort or pain at the incision sites is expected and can be managed with medications. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, with some restrictions on heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until fully healed.